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Transportation of Flammable and or Toxic Solvents
Introduction
Rapid industrialisation in the 20th century has seen tremendous growth in the
movement of petroleum products and other flammable & toxic chemicals
throughout the globe. Increasing demand of energy which is around 1.2 X 1013
watts per annum is mainly met by coal and petroleum products. Due to its easy
handling, higher thermal efficiency, very high calorific value 4.3 X 10 7 K
Cal/Kg, pollution control measures undertaken and development of efficient
machines, consumption of petroleum products is growing very rapidly. In India,
current consumption is in the region of 100 MMTPA.
The sources of petroleum products and other chemicals are generally
concentrated in certain regions. Hence, it becomes necessary to transport those
products either in the form of raw material or as refined ones to the various
industrial and consumption centres. Transportation is generally carried out
through shipping, cross country pipeline, rail and road. Indian Oil Corporation
carry crude oil, imported from various producer countries, by tanker for
processing at our refineries. Further, crude oil from our own indigenous source
in Bombay high is brought through the tankers. Transportation from port
location to Refinery and Refinery to the consumption centres are carried out
through the cross-country pipelines in addition to road/ rail movement. As on
date, Indian Oil Corporation operates 6523 KM long cross-country pipeline.
Out of which 4136 KM long pipeline network carries petroleum products.
During the year 2000-2001, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. carried total 38.77
MMT of petroleum products and crude oil through its cross-country pipeline
network. This works out to be approx. 18% of total petroleum products
consumed in the country during the year. Measures undertaken during
transportation of flammable and toxic chemicals are discussed here.
It is necessary to define flammable & toxic chemicals to understand hazard
associated with its transportation. Highly flammable liquid has flash point lower
than 23 0C & boiling point is above 20 0C at normal pressure. Flammable
liquids are those having flash point lower than 65 0C & remains liquid under
pressure. Hydrocarbon products qualify under this category. Toxic chemicals
are those, which have lethal toxic dose 0.1 to 0.5 mg/lit or 0.5 to 2.0 mg/lit
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(highly toxic) through inhalation. These are capable of producing major
accident hazards due to physical & chemical properties.
Comparison of different mode of transportation of petroleum products
Since independence, India has made impressive progress in creating a modern
and diversified industrial base. The percentage of urban population has
increased. The progress has brought about a significant increase in the domestic
consumption of POL products and pushed up the demand in the country. The
total refining capacity of the 15 refineries in the country at the end of March
1999 was 67.5 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) & it has been 112.54
MMTPA by Sep,2001. The refining capacity is expected to go up to 114 MTPA
by 2001/ 02 (Planning Commission 1999) due to additions in refining capacity
in PSUs (public sector undertakings), joint ventures, and private sectors units,
and expansion of existing refineries.
Infrastructure Scenario
As per the report of the sub-group on “Development of refinery, marketing,
transportation and infrastructure requirements based on the demand supply
projections“ of the Main group on Hydrocarbon Vision 2025 expected oil
Demand of the country has been estimated to be about 370 MMT by the year
2025. Further the total deficit on gas availability is also expected to be bridged
by petroleum products. Thus the actual demand of products could be even
higher. This estimated figure of 370 MMT is more than 4 times the current
demand of about 91 MMT. The projected product requirement (370 MMT)
would need to be transported from the source up to the consumption centres.
Thus the transportation requirements for the petroleum products are projected to
rise significantly in the years to come.
The importance of infrastructure growth can be appreciated in the above
context. The expansion programs of this magnitude depend upon the
availability of adequate infrastructure facilities in the country. In fact, all sectors
of the economy are depending upon the expansion of infrastructure capabilities.
So far as the oil industry is concerned, to support the growth programme in the
oil sector, ports and transportation infrastructure in particular require substantial
growth. Substantial infrastructure for transportation of petroleum products will
be required. At present, about 50% of the crude oil and 20% of the petroleum
product requirements are imported, and that crude oil imports are likely to
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increase in the future. Therefore, it necessitates transportation from port
locations to Refinery/ consumption centres.
Petroleum products are moved by pipelines, rail & road, besides some quantity
by barge & ships along coast.
Transportation requirement to carry petroleum products are projected to
increase substantially in the years to come. This would open up more
opportunities for development of pipeline network across the length and breadth
of the country. Taking into account the advantages of pipeline, it would be
imperative for the country to exploit these opportunities to the maximum.
No wonder that about 50-60% of the primary transportation of petroleum
products in developed countries is done through pipelines – obviously, due to
its above stated advantages. The data indicated below shows considerable
potential exists for expansion of pipeline network in India.
Following table shows share of various mode of transportation in movement of
petroleum products:
Mode
Road
Rail
Pipelines
Coastal
Unit
1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99
MMT
15.3
17.9
22.2
23.1
22.2
25.4
%
25.2
27.3
30.6
29.9
26.4
28.0
MMT
26.1
28.1
29.3
29.1
31.8
33.2
%
42.9
42.9
40.4
37.7
37.7
36.5
MMT
14.5
14.9
15.5
19.2
21.1
23.9
%
23.8
22.8
21.4
24.9
25.1
26.3
MMT
4.9
4.6
5.5
5.8
9.2
8.3
%
8.1
7.0
7.6
7.5
10.9
9.2
Note: Tonnage of movement by road arrived at by difference.
Transportation of petroleum products through pipeline is safe & eco-friendly.
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Being the most economical and dependable mode of supply, pipelines can be
considered as the long-term infrastructure solution to the problem of product
transport. Major advantages of this mode over other modes are as under :
a) Energy consumption is least in Pipeline transportation and it is most
suited mode of transportation for conservation of energy.
b) Cost of transportation is least, for large volumes and over long leads.
c) Pipeline transportation is highly environment friendly. Its impact on
environment during the stages of construction, operation and
maintenance is negligible, compared to other modes.
d) Safety is an intrinsic feature of pipeline transportation. Vagaries of nature
like floods, breaches etc. do not disrupt pipeline transport systems.
e) In pipelines, the carrier is stationary. Thus, the wasteful use of energy and
infrastructure for transportation of empty carrier (as happens in the case of
rail and road transportation) is totally avoided.
f) Petroleum products are volatile in nature. Thus, handling of products
results in evaporation losses. In the case of rail and road, such losses are as
high as 0.3 to 0.5% of the volumes transported. In comparison,
transportation losses in pipeline are only about 0.1%.
g) While railways need different types of wagons for different classes of
products, a single pipeline can transport a large number of products. The
developments in technology would also allow transportation of propane and
butane in the same pipeline making this mode still more versatile.
h) Increase/decrease of transportation volume can be effected in pipelines
with lower time delay, disturbance and cost. Quantity variation within
certain limit is possible without compromising on safety, economic &
operational consideration.
i) Pipelines can traverse highly difficult terrain where laying railway lines
would be almost impossible.
It can be summarised that pipeline transportation has definite edge over other
modes of transportation for carrying bulk petroleum products across the
country.
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Consideration for pipeline transportation
In case of pipeline transportation, it is essential to know characteristics of the
chemical, which is required to be transported before choosing the material for
pipe. In case of petroleum products, API 5LX grade MS pipes of various
thickness are used depending upon throughput and pressure requirement. MS
pipes does not react with the petroleum or any ingredient in the crude oil
directly. It is definitely safer to transport hazardous and flammable chemicals
like petroleum products through a pipeline from one location to another from
safety and pollution angles. Since it is a close circuit operation, there is no
leakage or emission of gases causing hazard to the inhabitants along side
pipeline route, personnel and air / water pollution.
Consideration for handling hazardous substances
Dangerous goods form part of today’s world. IMO defines dangerous
substances as those having properties, which are classified by the International
Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Handling of hazardous chemicals require
certain safety and precautionary measures. Lot of local and short distance
movement take place through tank lorries and longer distance by road/ rail
wagons. Toxic chemical movement through smaller vessels between country to
country and coastal area are not uncommon. It may be worth mentioning that
hazardous and noxious chemical movement through vessels works out to be 3%
compared to 97% of petroleum products movement by tankers and vessels in
the world in terms of volume. Though it is insignificant as per quantity,
increasing accidents of chemical tankers, and tank lorries has made us aware of
the hazard associated with movement of toxic chemicals.
Safety measures required to be undertaken while handling / transporting
hazardous chemicals. Oil Industry Safety Directorate has identified following
measures:
Numbering the NFPA pictorial representation of hazard – showing
flammability(red), reactivity (yellow), Oxidising chemical(OXY),
Health(Blue) and W (possible hazard in use of water)
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
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HAZCHEM Code – In case of fire or spillage of chemical emergency
action code is indicated. e.g. for MS HAZCHEM code is Y and for
Sulphur HAZCHEM code is Z.
Classification of hazardous substances – like class-1 (explosive), Class-3
(Inflammable liquid), Class-5 (oxidising substances) and Class-6
(poisonous, toxic and infectious substances etc.)
Certain precautions are required to be taken for unloading of tank trucks / tank
wagons. Few important measures among these are:
Engine of the truck is required to be kept off in case of flammable chemicals.
Pump / vacuum system should be used for unloading purpose. Pump should be
preferably seal-less type and valves should be gland less type. Connecting hose
to tanker should be through coupling. Same hose should not be used to unload
different chemicals. Tanker and hose should be properly earthed before starting
unloading operation. Personnel handling unloading operation should use PPE.
International/ National standards followed for design of a Pipeline system
In case of cross-country pipeline transportation of liquid petroleum products,
physical and chemical characteristic of the chemical to be carried are required
to be considered for design of pipeline system. OISD- STD- 141, ANSI-B 31.4,
B 31.8, AWWA C-203 and other ANSI, ASME, ASTM, API and BIS Codes
are followed during design, construction, commissioning & operation of
pipeline system. In addition to above, fire fighting and safety systems in any
cross-country pipeline is designed and operated according to NFPA and OISD
standards. Thus, pipeline system is safe for operation within designed
parameters and monitoring system is also is in place.
Safety Awareness
Material safety data sheet is essential for identifying particular chemical for its
impact on health, safety and environment. It is required for following reasons:
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
Immediate (acute) health effects – effects due to inhalation, skin contact,
eye contact, skin absorption, ingestion and target organ acute toxicity.
Long term (chronic) health effects - effects due to inhalation, skin
contact, eye contact, skin absorption, carcinogenicity and target organ
chronic toxicity.
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
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First aid
Fire fighting measures
Accident release measures – Health consideration for spill response, spill
mitigation procedure for air release, water release.
Handling and storage
Engineering controls, personnel protective equipment and exposure limit.
Physical data
Stability and reactivity
Toxicological information
Ecological information
Disposal consideration
Transportation information
Regulatory information
Additional information – vendor’s MSDS, EPA list etc.
In other words, it may be kept in mind that transportation of hazardous
chemical requires precautions, safety measures to prevent any accidental
release, safe handling during loading / unloading and transfer of products. It is
also important to make personnel handling the products and public aware of the
chemical & hazard associated with it- whether flammable or not and
precautionary measures to be undertaken during transportation, storage & after
any accidental release. In India, we are required to follow the following rules in
addition to other relevant rules and regulations:
i) Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules 1989
ii) Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989.
Contingency Planning
Contingency planning is essential for addressing to any kind of emergency. In
case of chemical spill, a chemical contingency plan which is different from Oil
spill contingency plan is required to be in place before hand. In oil spill
incident, primary effort is to contain spill. The recovery and cleaning the area of
hydrocarbon. Contingency planning is equally necessary for any kind of
transportation system whether it is pipeline, road transportation, rail
transportation or vessel movement. Contingency plan should include following:
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Risk identification i.e. physio-chemical properties like sp.gr. solubility in
water, boiling point, freezing point, vapour pressure and density, fire and
explosion hazardous data, health hazard data.
Risk evaluation like site safety data, environmental effects data,
containment action, abatement action, warning / Evacuation
Risk control and
Risk communications are essential.
Contingency planning is required for cross-country pipeline system as well.
Some incidents occurred recently, have been discussed below, showing how
contingency planning helped to mitigate the spill.
Recent Development on HNS movement
An accident involving chemical tanker IEVOLI SUN off-French coast in
Oct’2000 has opened a debate in the International Regulatory Authority like
IMO for a separate convention like OPRC-HNS Protocol following the
principles of OPRC convention to provide a frame work for international cooperation in such incidents. In addition, it is proposed to include requirements
for chemical tankers under MARPOL annex-II, because these substances are
not adequately focused under present MARPOL. The problems associated with
chemical release w.r.t. petroleum products are toxicity, noxious chemical, fire,
pollution and lives of personnel. In case of hydrocarbon, possibility of fire is the
immediate concern, besides pollution. Oil spill response as in practice today for
petroleum products is discussed below.
Oil Spill Response
Pipeline system has leak detection, closing of valve/ isolation of affected
section, continuous monitoring of operational parameters and SCADA in place.
In case of accidental release on land, contingency plan is in place to recover
spilled oil & restore pipeline within reasonable time. Generally, corrosion &
attempted pilferage are enemies of any accidental release. Mutual aid among
other industry members, local Govt. authority is of great help.
Contingency plan and oil spill response are in place for marine oil pollution.
Also, National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP) of Coast Guard
is followed & local contingency plan is prepared in line with NOS-DCP. Also,
there is mutual aid among other oil companies, Port Authority & assistance of
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Coast Guard. Membership an International expert response organisation further
enhances response capability. Post Erika spill off-French coast in Dec’99 has
resulted stricter norms for all single hull tankers, its inspection of oil tankers
and higher compensation through IOPC Fund, 1992 & CLC 1992.
Case Studies
Few case studies involving chemical tanker spill, oil tanker spill & LPG Tank
Truck are discussed below.
(a) Tanker Erika Oil Spill off- French Coast
Tanker Erika laden with around 30000 MT of heavy fuel broke into two in the
sea about 80 miles from a Coast of France on 12.12.99. The spilled oil finally
reached French coast affecting around 400 KM long coast line. The sea was
rough. The response team included oil recovery vessels of British, Dutch,
German and Spanish origin, besides French team including CEDRE.. Around
20000 MT of oil spilled out of which 1200 MT were recovered by the vessels
and 20 MT near coast line. Due to bad weather and spread of the spill widely,
monitoring and communication were not effective. 800 work sites were opened
to clean 400 KM of coast line affected by the spilled oil. Around 15000
personnel were engaged in response activities. There were controversies
regarding wild life, coastal cleaning, waste storage, wreck etc. Around 63200
oiled birds were collected, out of which 2400 could be saved. Due to the nature
of oil, it was chewing gum like emulsion.
Simultaneous monitoring of the wreck, which was lying 120 mtr. deep was
continued. After about 7 months, pumping of the remaining oil in the chambers
of the tanker started and it took around 2 months time to complete. Oily waste
of around 2,00,000 MT were transported and stored. Fishermen and tourism
industry were badly affected, due to spilled oil and bad publicity.
In this incident, there were damage in terms of economic and ecological
activities. This incident opened up debate / lobbying for :
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More than 50% increase in IOPC fund limit under Fund Convention
1992.
Mandatory vessels reporting system for English channel.
Accelerated phasing out of sub standards and single hull tankers.
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
Strict checking of tankers for its structural integrity.
(b) Tanker Natuna Sea Oil Spill Incident near Singapore
Tanker Natuna Sea enroute from Middle East to China ran aground around 8
KM south of Singapore on 3.10.2000. About 7000 MT of oil spilled due to
rupture in 4 cargo tanks. Oil spread fast due to strong tidal current in the straits.
In this case, MPA activated oil spill contingency plan and emergency operation
committee was convened. Protective booms were laid to protect sensitive areas
and Salvage Company was engaged. While aerial spray from aircraft was
carried out, surface clean-up operation was also started. Around 15 KL of
dispersant chemical (total 72 KL of dispersant chemical were used) was sprayed
by aircraft. Aerial surveillance was maintained to assess the pollution. The oil
remaining in the wrecked tanker was transferred to other tankers. About 17
organisations from Ministry, Oil terminals, Response Companies etc. involving
60 crafts & 400 personnel were engaged in the response action.
Some of the lessons learnt are;
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expert advice for effective response
handling of weather oil
protecting sensitive areas by boom,
use of craft and equipment for waxy and lumpy oil.
It may be noted that strategy and methods for response differ with local
condition. Also, greater co-operation among response agencies and all effected
parties are essential to derive a time bound response result and to keep
compensation at the minimum level.
(c) Tanker IEVOLI SUN Accident
A chemical tanker IEVOLI SUN sank with chemicals detailed below as cargo
near French coast on 30.10.2000.
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Styrene monomer was released. This chemical is a basic compound to
make polymers and copolymers and in organic synthesis. It is very
volatile and explosive when in contact with air. Stability during
transportation is ensured by adding a polymerisation inhibitor. Its vapour
is heavier than air and irritant to eye and lungs. Risk after the accident
was related primarily to the plume formed by evaporation of the product.
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Isopropylic alcohol creating risk to fire hazard or danger of explosion in
contact with air.
Methyl ethyl ketone which had the risk of fire hazard and explosion.
The response team monitored wreck hazard, surveillance of passing traffic &
sea water quality and made a quick risk assessment by the technical team for
further action. Wreckage investigation and decision based on the result &
international norms in such cases for taking out remaining chemicals from the
chambers of the tanker were carried out. The response team also prepared for a
possible toxic cloud, which luckily did not happen. The French authority called
for support from the partners like British MCA, German Chemical / Oil
response vessel etc. The communication among the response teams at site and
authorities were maintained along with active mobilisation of scientific
expertise & activation of zone and national committees in the case. It was
agreed that styrene and IFO chemicals would be pumped out, while MEK, IPA
and diesel will be released in a controlled way. The French navy and MCA
controlled the activities. About 3000 m³. of styrene and 88 m3 of IFO
recovered, with other products released.
In this incident, there was no toxic cloud; communication and press coverage
were well. Decision making procedures in the key areas were effective.
However, this incident resulted in possibility of French adhesion to HNS
convention and acceptance of some R&D on marine spill hazard requirement.
Response activities were effective in handling the chemical spill incident. Such
chemical spills are handled by spray of special foam, suppressing chemical
contact with air & remove/ reduce its toxic effect. However, protection of
personnel handling it or crew of ship is of paramount importance in case of
chemical spill.
(d) Accident involving LPG Tank Truck
In the morning of 07.1.2001, a bulk LPG lorry carrying 17.93 LPG loaded from
Jamnagar on the way to Varanasi LPG plant met with a head-on collision with a
truck carrying ply wood near Kanpur. The poor visibility due to fog was one of
the reasons for collision. The LPG tanker skidded down the slope by side of the
road, shearing the liquid / vapour lines of the bullet resulting profuse leakage of
LPG. The tank lorry also caught fire and the leaking LPG formed a pool fire
below the bullet thereby heating the bullet and causing rupture resulting in
BLEVE .
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The flames of the fire were as high as 50 ft. and the bullet burst into 5 major
pieces, which flew to different direction. Two dish ends were thrown around
100 to 150 metre away from the bullet. Total 12 persons including driver and
cleaner travelling in the LPG tank lorry lost their lives in the accident and 6
other persons suffered burn injury. Animals moving around nearby and two
houses were also suffered burns and damage.
While analysing, it was observed that weather was foggy and temperature was
low at 7-8 oC. Due to head-on collision and sudden stoppage of tank lorry, rear
wheels were shifted towards the end of road skidding the tanker along the slope.
The vapour valves were sheared off along with Excess Flow Check Valve
resulting in the leakage of LPG. It resulted in a formation of pool of liquid LPG
below the bullet. The fire might have been ignited due to contact with any
heated surface or spark during collision or smoking by any of the passengers.
Also, it was possible that it might have been ignited by a small fire which was
used by the nearby villagers for warming up during the winter morning. The
main cause of the accident has been found to be negligent driving by the driver
of the truck carrying plywood.
Conclusion
Transportation of hazardous liquid substances like petroleum products &
chemicals will continue & grow. However, safety precaution is required to be
considered in selection of mode of transportation, its design, construction &
operation. Prevention is always better than mitigation plan. Material Safety
Data Sheet and awareness among transport crews, personnel handling such
substances are essential. Contingency plan for accidental release of such
chemicals on land or water should be in place & it should get integrated with
National Contingency Plan or local Govt. contingency plan as the case may be
for better co-ordination & enhanced response capability. Recent oil & chemical
tanker accidents triggered debate on separate OPRC-HNS Protocol &
modification in IOPC Fund compensation amount etc. Also, there are statutory
rules governing movement & handling hazardous chemicals, which need to be
followed. After all, we need industrial progress, but not at the cost of loss of
human lives, environment pollution & damage to natural resources.
Source: Presentation given by Mr K. M. Bansal, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
****
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